Hawkeye has released another compact HD camera, the Thumb 2. With similar specs to the 4K Thumb, this camera offers 4K 30fps video capability and supports Gyroflow stabilization. However, based on my experience, the Hawkeye Thumb 2 may not be best suited for FPV drone applications.
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Where to buy?
Hawkeye Thumb 2 cameras are available from the following suppliers:
Here's what's included in the box:
- manual
- cap mount
- neck mount
Specification
- sensor: Sony 12MP
- eyesight: FOV 170 degrees
- video resolution:
- 4K 50/30FPS
- 2.5K 4:3 50/30FPS
- 2.5K16:9 50FPS
- 1080P 50/30FPS
- Note: 4K 50FPS does not support Gyroflow Stabilization, everything else does.
- video format: mp4/H.265
- TV output: PAL/NTSC with 40ms latency
- USB port: Type C
- battery life: Up to 100 minutes
- Additional features:
- AV output support
- RC remote control function
- WiFi preview function
- SD card support: 8-256GB (U1 or higher)
- Power supply: DC 5-23V
- Size: 53×23×22mm
- Weight: 34.5g
- Maximum current: 550mA@5V
What changed in Thumb V1?
Measuring 52.5 x 23 x 21.7 mm and weighing 34g, the Hawkeye Thumb 2 comes with an integrated 1S 620mAh LiPo battery. According to the manufacturer, this battery allows up to 100 minutes of recording at 1080p without Wi-Fi.
It supports a phone app connected via WiFi for previewing, playing back video recordings, controlling the camera and adjusting settings, and offers similar flexibility to GoPro in terms of adjusting camera parameters.
In particular, Thumb 2 now includes a built-in battery, improving its usability not only in FPV but also in everyday shooting. The camera can be charged via the USB-C connector or DC input (5~23V). The case is magnetic so it attaches easily to the included mount. However, unlike the Insta360 Go, there is a cooling hole in the housing, so it does not have a waterproof function.
Additionally, the camera can be connected to a flight controller (FC) via the UART port and controlled by a wireless switch via Betaflight. However, the necessary cables are not included.
The lens is Thumb V1 compatible, so you can use ND filters from older cameras.
Why isn't Thumb 2 for FPV?
The Hawkeye Thumb 2 appears to be aimed more at general use rather than pure FPV drone applications.
First of all, the accessories included with the Thumb 2 are reminiscent of those provided with the Insta360 GO 2, such as the cap or neck mount. Frankly, these types of mounts often produce shaky footage at unpredictable angles and, in my experience, are not practical for capturing high-quality video. Additionally, unlike the GO 2 or GO 3, the Thumb 2 lacks water resistance, making it less versatile for outdoor activities.
The built-in battery allows this camera to be used on its own, unlike the Thumb V1, which requires additional power from the drone. However, these design changes make the camera heavier and bulkier, making it less suitable for small FPV drones. Having a battery also means that you have to charge it every 30 to 40 minutes to prevent it from blocking the air when it runs low. The good news is that you can always keep it powered by plugging it into an external power source. However, this cable does not come with it!
There's a port for connecting the camera to a flight controller, allowing it to be controlled wirelessly via Betaflight, but the lack of necessary cables in the package suggests that FPV pilots may not be the primary audience Hawkeye had in mind for this product.
image quality
In the first part of the test video, I was walking with the camera in my hand. Despite applying the gyroflow stabilization feature, it is still quite shaky. The stabilization built into my phone seems to perform better. That said, the colors, clarity, and overall image quality are commendable.
For the second part of the test, since I didn't have a 3D printed mount, I used zip ties to strap the camera to a 3-inch quad (the same drone I used to test the Thumb V1). The video was very vulnerable to ‘Jello’. Using Gyroflow's default FOV settings, black edges will still be visible in the stabilized video, unlike footage from DJI O3 and Walksnail, which can zoom up to 1.1 or 1.2 without showing black edges. If you zoom in to get rid of all the black edges, your FOV is too narrow.
Overall, this camera doesn't seem to work well with Gyroflow.
conclusion
If you're looking for a standalone 4K camera for non-FPV shooting and aren't picky about image quality, the Thumb 2 is a decent, budget-friendly alternative to the Insta360 GO 2 and GO 3. However, performance on Gyroflow is subpar. , resulting in insufficient stabilization and excessive cropping.
Hawkeye Thumb 2 cameras are available from the following suppliers:
For FPV pilots, we recommend using the original Hawkeye Thumb camera. It's cheaper, lighter, includes the necessary cables, jells less, provides similar image quality, and works better with Gyroflow.
Check out my review of the Hawkeye V1 here: https://oscarliang.com/hawkeye-thumb-4k-camera/